Solar high rollers: CECS students win ZeroCO2 Hackathon

The Hackathon is a joint venture run by CIT, Canberra Innovation Network and renewable energy company Neoen, and encourages participants to utilise existing technologies in an innovative ways.

The aim of the event was to accelerate the “transition to net zero emissions by creating innovative new business solutions for both the domestic and commercial sectors across the ACT”. The solutions were judged on their commercial viability and environmental impact, and could focus on either renewable energy or sustainability.

Nine teams took part in the event, which was held at the Renewable Energy Skills Training Centre at the CIT, and went for 30 hours - between 8:30am 5th - 7:00pm 6th March.

The top prize of $7000 was claimed by the ANU team Solar Campus, whose idea was to empower students to invest in solar panels installed across university campuses.

The solution offered universities an opportunity to enrich their relationship with students and engage differently, while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions by utilising renewable technology.

Mark McAnulty was part of the Solar Campus team, and said the event was a chance to learn from the best, “the 30-hour hackathon was an excellent challenge to consider impactful ways to reduce CO2, but more importantly an extremely valuable opportunity to learn from experts, test ideas and get guidance on how to refine them.”

As part of the team’s prize, they also received access to the Canberra Innovation Network’s ‘Idea to Impact’ program, plus desk space and coaching for up to three months. “We’re now looking forward to the ongoing support from the Canberra Innovation Network to keep learning and progressing our community energy idea”, said Mark McAnulty.